What Is the Difference Between Mold, Mildew & Bacteria?

Mold, mildew and bacteria are living organisms that provide both benefits and dangers to human beings.

Scientific Classification

Mold and mildew are multi-celled organisms that are part of the fungi kingdom. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are part of either the eubacteria or archaebacteria kingdoms.

Definition of Mold and Mildew

Mold can form on foods such as cheese.

Mold is a microscopic fungi that grows in warm, moist environments. Mildew is also a microscopic fungi. According to Dr. Thad Godish, professor of natural resources and environmental management at Ball State University, there is little distinction between mildew and mold. The term mildew is often used to refer to mold growth in a bathroom or on clothing. Mildew is also a type of plant disease that affects plants such as roses and lilacs.

Definition of Bacteria

Bacteria are microscopic organisms that are all around us.

Bacteria are one-celled living organisms that exist in water and soil and in the foods we eat, on the surfaces we touch and even in our bodies. Trillions of types of bacteria exist on the Earth and are classified according to their shape: sphere, rod or spiral.

Misconceptions

Some bacteria eat oil and can be used to clean up oil if an oil tanker spills or leaks.

Mold, mildew and bacteria are not all bad. In nature, mold, mildew and bacteria all play important roles in the decomposition of dead plants and animals. In addition, both mold and bacteria are used to create antibiotics. We also use bacteria to clean up oil spills, ferment yogurt and create blood-plasma substitutes. In the human body, bacteria aid in digestion and help keep skin clean.

Dangers

In buildings, molds can destroy structural components by attacking building materials such as fiberboard, drywall or wood. In addition, mold spores in the air can cause headaches, sinus problems, rashes and asthma. Some molds even produce toxins that can cause serious illnesses or death. Bacteria can also cause illnesses in people, such as tetanus, typhoid and tuberculosis.

References

• Rhode Island College: Six Kingdoms
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Is Mold Affecting Your Health?
• Housekeeping Channel: What's the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?